Rising From The Ashes
Donation protected
On Wednesday morning, August 10, 2016, my sister's life (Reba Johnson) took a profound detour in Poplar Bluff, Missouri when her community resale shop, outreach ministry, and apartment were physically destroyed by a devastating fire.
While she sat in the front of her store making entries in her accounting ledger, she suddenly heard a pop in the back room. Thinking something had simply fallen over, she continued writing in her ledger. A short while later, she began to cough and was soon overcome with the overwhelming smell of smoke. She immediatly grabbed her phone and dialed 911 as she exited the building. It all happened so quickly. The local television station (KFVS12 TV) picked up the fire in minutes and quickly had a crew on site.
Not only was the shop consumed by the fire, but my 2 nieces (Chelsey and Mia) and my sister had living quarters on the upper floors and, therefore, their homes and all of their belongings were destroyed as well. Chelsey was at work at the time, however, Mia was in one of the apartments. Reba acted fast, running to where Mia was and immediately evacuated her from the burning structure as she yelled out to the landlord, who was making some repairs in another apartment, to get out as well. While they all continue to be emotionally overwhelmed, their faith and trust in God is strong.
Rosie's (named after our mother) was more than a resale business. It was a place where people came to
rebuild their lives with clothing, shoes and household goods. [Truth be told, Reba sometimes gave away more than she sold.] It was a place where people stopped by just to say "hi" or simply to have spiritual fellowship.
Rosie's was also the home of "Center Stage", a community outreach that Reba created for those in the local area who had creative gifts and talent and who showcased and shared those talents in monthly productions. It's not clear whether Rosie's will reopen but Reba will continue her work with "Center Stage" and community outreach.
Unfortunately, Reba didn't have insurance. Everthing is gone and they are starting from scratch. These donations will be used to pay for housing, to purchase personal clothing, shoes, household goods, furniture, and food.
Some of you may know what it feels like to experience this kind of loss. Just imagine watching your home or business being engulfed in flames in real time. Imagine losing your home, your belongings, and everything you wanted to hold on to; your momentos, all in a few hours. Imagine long after the flames have gone away, the embers have cooled down and there's nothing but ashes of "all" of that which made you feel safe and comfortable. You are now, for all intents and purposes, homeless. The blessing, here, is that everyone is alive. Thank you Father God.
We have an opportunity to reach out to help Reba, Chelsey, and Mia to help rebuild their ring of safety; to help them Rise From The Ashes. I know that Reba has been an inspiration, blessing, friend, and confidant to many of her family (including myself) and friends. Please help. No donation is too small.
And to our family, friends, and friends of friends, we sincerely thank you for what ever you do and may God bless each and everyone of you.
While she sat in the front of her store making entries in her accounting ledger, she suddenly heard a pop in the back room. Thinking something had simply fallen over, she continued writing in her ledger. A short while later, she began to cough and was soon overcome with the overwhelming smell of smoke. She immediatly grabbed her phone and dialed 911 as she exited the building. It all happened so quickly. The local television station (KFVS12 TV) picked up the fire in minutes and quickly had a crew on site.
Not only was the shop consumed by the fire, but my 2 nieces (Chelsey and Mia) and my sister had living quarters on the upper floors and, therefore, their homes and all of their belongings were destroyed as well. Chelsey was at work at the time, however, Mia was in one of the apartments. Reba acted fast, running to where Mia was and immediately evacuated her from the burning structure as she yelled out to the landlord, who was making some repairs in another apartment, to get out as well. While they all continue to be emotionally overwhelmed, their faith and trust in God is strong.
Rosie's (named after our mother) was more than a resale business. It was a place where people came to
rebuild their lives with clothing, shoes and household goods. [Truth be told, Reba sometimes gave away more than she sold.] It was a place where people stopped by just to say "hi" or simply to have spiritual fellowship.
Rosie's was also the home of "Center Stage", a community outreach that Reba created for those in the local area who had creative gifts and talent and who showcased and shared those talents in monthly productions. It's not clear whether Rosie's will reopen but Reba will continue her work with "Center Stage" and community outreach.
Unfortunately, Reba didn't have insurance. Everthing is gone and they are starting from scratch. These donations will be used to pay for housing, to purchase personal clothing, shoes, household goods, furniture, and food.
Some of you may know what it feels like to experience this kind of loss. Just imagine watching your home or business being engulfed in flames in real time. Imagine losing your home, your belongings, and everything you wanted to hold on to; your momentos, all in a few hours. Imagine long after the flames have gone away, the embers have cooled down and there's nothing but ashes of "all" of that which made you feel safe and comfortable. You are now, for all intents and purposes, homeless. The blessing, here, is that everyone is alive. Thank you Father God.
We have an opportunity to reach out to help Reba, Chelsey, and Mia to help rebuild their ring of safety; to help them Rise From The Ashes. I know that Reba has been an inspiration, blessing, friend, and confidant to many of her family (including myself) and friends. Please help. No donation is too small.
And to our family, friends, and friends of friends, we sincerely thank you for what ever you do and may God bless each and everyone of you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lillie Johnson Forte
Organizer
Shawnee, KS
Reba Johnson
Beneficiary